Skip to main content
South Carolina

Vanderbilt offensive lineman guarantees Commodores win over Gamecocks

by: George Bagwell7 hours ago
https://www.on3.com/vanderbilt-offensive-lineman-motivated-by-south-carolinas-winning-streak-against-commodores/
Bryan Thomas (Photo by CJ Driggers/GamecockCentral)

South Carolina football is in the midst of a historic 16-game winning streak against Vanderbilt. In fact, the last time the Commodores beat the Gamecocks, “Disturbia” by Rihanna was the top song on the charts in 2008. LaNorris Sellers was three years old.

The winning streak, or from Vanderbilt’s perspective, losing streak, is producing extra motivation for the Commodores.

“Obviously, it would mean a lot (to win),” offensive tackle Bryce Henderson said. “We’re not focused on that. All we know is we’re gonna play our football, and we know that we can beat them and we’re gonna go in there and do it.”

Join GamecockCentral now for $1 your first week and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic – included with your membership.

Vanderbilt defeated Charleston Southern, 45-3, in its season opener. It followed that performance up with a massive road win against an opponent South Carolina is quite familiar with. Down 20-10 at halftime on the road against Virginia Tech last week, the Commodores found their stride. Vanderbilt scored 34 unanswered points to win the contest 44-20. The Gamecocks managed just 24 points against the Hokies in Week 1.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia also mentioned the Gamecocks were circled on his calendar in the offseason. But South Carolina’s defense is holding this weekend’s matchup in high regard, as well.

“As far as we know, we’ve got every game circled,” defensive edge Bryan Thomas Jr. said. “He can have us circled; we respect that. But as far as I know, we’re going to go in there and play fast. We take every game seriously, and we’re going to go out there and ball out.”

Other Gamecocks shared Thomas’ sentiment in Tuesday’s press conferences.

“Well, you know that’s our next game,” safety DQ Smith said. “That’s the game we’re looking forward to as well.”

The Commodores were ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll when they hosted South Carolina in Nashville last season, though the Gamecocks won 28-7. Sellers threw for two touchdowns, while Rocket Sanders added 126 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The Gamecocks sit as four-point favorites against the Commodores. The game kicks off at 7:45 p.m. EST on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!